The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman Book 7, Chapter 32 Summary

  • There's an ass in the way. A real one. Tristram has a soft spot for asses, too, because people give them such a hard time. In fact, he likes to strike up conversation with them—they're better conversationalists than other animals.
  • Here's the catch—Tristram just can't seem to be get by his four-legged friend. He asks the ass to move, but the animal just munches away on an artichoke stem. Tristram's no stranger to being forced to eat veggies, so he gives him a macaroon instead.
  • Finally, a guy comes by and wallops the ass. The ass gets a move on, but tears Tristram's pocket on his way.